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Several women groan or laugh in agreement.

“Chosen mates and fated mates,” someone calls.

“Rank,” another adds.

“Money.”

“Attention.”

“Jealousy,” an Elder says.

Luna Selena looks around. “Why?”

The laughter slowly fades.

“Competition,” a younger woman answers.

“For what?” Luna Selena asks.

“A better life,” an older shewolf says. “Sometimes a chosen or fated mate isn't just about loving him. Who you mate can change your rank, where you live, whether your pups are protected, what kind of life you have.”

Another woman nods. “Sometimes women compete because they're afraid another woman can take away the future they're trying to build.”

Luna Selena considers that. “So sometimes what looks like ambition or greed might actually be fear.”

“Sometimes,” the older woman says. “Not always.”

“No.” Luna Selena smiles faintly. “Sometimes greed is just greed.”

A few women laugh.

“But fear makes people do things they might not otherwise do,” Luna Selena continues. “Especially when they're worried about surviving, protecting their pups, or protecting somebody they love. I can understand that without saying it's okay to destroy another person to make yourself feel safer.”

I look down at Darlene, running my fingers gently through her hair. There isn't much I wouldn't do to keep her, Damian, Darian, and the pup growing inside me safe.

Anything, my wolf whispers. I'll kill for them.

“I know. I won't stop you either.”

A younger shewolf raises her hand. “But what if you don't have a mate? Or you don't want to depend on one?”

“Then don't,” Luna Selena says. “And even if you do have a mate, I think shewolves should have their own source of money.”

An older shewolf tilts her head. “You mean every shewolf should work?”

“Not necessarily. I'm not saying every shewolf has to live the same way. But having your own money, whether you earn it through a job, own a business, have several businesses, or build another source of income, can give you choices. It can give you protection, peace, and security.”

A shewolf near the front nods. “Especially if something happens to your mate.”

“Exactly. Or if you need to leave a relationship. Or if you simply want to buy something without asking anyone for permission.”

A few shewolves laugh.

Luna Selena smiles. “And making your own money can be satisfying. Building something that's yours, watching it grow, knowing you created it. There's nothing wrong with enjoying that.”

An Omega raises her hand. “But what if you don't know how to start?”

“Then we need to help each other learn.”